Biography
Jackie Paris, born Carlo Jackie Paris on September 20, 1924, in Nutley, New Jersey, emerged from a musical Italian-American family and began his career as a child performer in vaudeville, sharing stages with legends like Bill "Bojangles" Robinson and the Mills Brothers. After serving in the Army during World War II, Paris returned to New York and quickly became a fixture on the city's vibrant 52nd Street jazz scene, performing as both a singer and guitarist. Inspired by his friend Nat King Cole, he formed the Jackie Paris Trio, which gained acclaim at the Onyx Club.
Paris's career flourished in the late 1940s and 1950s, when he became closely associated with the bebop movement. He toured with Charlie Parker's Quintet, recorded with Charles Mingus, and was the first to record a vocal version of Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight." Paris also worked with Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie's big bands, earning praise for his sensitive interpretations and jazz inflection. Despite critical acclaim and winning several critics' polls, he never achieved widespread commercial fame, but remained a respected figure among musicians and jazz aficionados.
Throughout his life, Paris continued to perform, record, and teach, collaborating with his then-wife Anne-Marie Moss in the 1960s and 1970s and working as an educator in his later years. His last album, "The Intimate Jackie Paris," was released in 2001, and he performed publicly as late as March 2004. Jackie Paris died in Manhattan on June 17, 2004, leaving behind a legacy as a vocalist deeply admired for his artistry and commitment to jazz.
Fun Facts
- Jackie Paris was the first vocalist to record Thelonious Monk's 'Round Midnight' with lyrics.
- He began his career as a child vaudeville star, performing tap dance and sharing the stage with Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson.
- Paris was the first vocal artist signed to Charles Mingus's Debut label, and Mingus wrote pieces specifically for him.
- Despite critical acclaim and collaborations with jazz legends, Paris never achieved major commercial success and is considered a 'musician's musician.'
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Uncle Chick (Paris's uncle) - Early musical influence; guitarist with Paul Whiteman's orchestra (N/A) [1930s-1940s]
- Nat King Cole - Friend and inspiration; encouraged Paris to form his own trio (Jackie Paris Trio) [1940s]
Key Collaborators
- Charlie Parker - Toured nationally with Parker's Quintet (Live performances) [late 1940s]
- Charles Mingus - Recorded for Mingus's Debut label; Mingus composed works for him ("Portrait," "Paris in Blue," "Duke Ellington's Sound of Love" (on Mingus's 'Changes Two')) [1950s, 1974]
- Lionel Hampton - Performed and toured with Hampton's big band (Live performances) [1949-1950]
- Dizzy Gillespie - Recorded with Gillespie's original big band (Recordings with Gillespie's band) [late 1940s-early 1950s]
- Donald Byrd and Gigi Gryce - Recorded with the Donald Byrd/Gigi Gryce Jazz Lab ("Modern Jazz Perspective" (Columbia, 1957)) [1957]
- Anne-Marie Moss - Frequent performing partner and then-wife (Live performances, one recording together) [1960s-1970s]
Artists Influenced
- Ella Fitzgerald - Praised Paris's jazz inflection and artistry; acknowledged his influence (N/A) [1950s]
- Students and young jazz vocalists - Taught master classes and private lessons in Manhattan, influencing a generation of singers (Master classes, private lessons) [1980s-2000s]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
JACKIE PARIS has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2025 | 23:23 | 'TIS AUTUMN | Kitchen Sinkw/ Derrick Freeman |